Cybersecurity

New Rhode Island cyber range prepares students for real world danger lurking in cyberspace

State leaders celebrated at a “powering up” ceremony at Rhode Island College Wednesday for a new state-of-the-art cyber range, where students gain hands-on learning experience to prevent and respond to cyber threats.

Nevada still mum on whether it paid ransom to cyber attackers

The governor’s office did not directly respond to questions about additional details on the cyber attack, including what ransom was demanded by the attackers, and whether a ransom was paid by the state.

Preparing state CIOs for the future of cyber and AI defense

COMMENTARY | States must act fast and be strategic, and their actions now can lay the groundwork for long-term success even as they await additional guidance and funding.

Federal funding runs out for cyber info-sharing center

Without federal support for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, it now shifts to a paid membership model.

Preparing New York for evolving cyber threats

An interview with New York State Deputy Chief Cyber Officer for Operations Michaela Lee.

Cyber leaders say culture is hard to track but must constantly evolve

Speakers at this week’s Billington Cybersecurity Summit said if even the lowest-level employees are shown where they can make a difference, it can encourage that culture.

New bill would reauthorize state and local cyber grant program

The bipartisan legislation, which expires at month’s end, would extend the popular program and ensure that critical infrastructure and AI systems are covered under it.

Push continues to fund cyber info-sharing center

Emergency funding for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center runs out at the end of September, and experts are worried about the consequences if it lapses fully.

Wyden calls for review of US court systems’ cyber posture after case system hack

Since the incident, several district courts have instructed filers not to submit sealed documents, amid risks that the systems protecting them may not be secure.

Foreign adversaries are trying to weaponize open-source software, report finds

Hacking units affiliated with nation-state adversaries are subtly contributing to open-source software tools and working to insert backdoors into publicly available code used by millions worldwide, new research says.

State and local governments need a unified approach to cybersecurity

COMMENTARY | A consolidated cyber operations framework for states isn’t just a strategy — it’s a lifeline in an era of relentless cyber threats.

Mayors worry about cybersecurity almost as much as substance use, mental health

The National League of Cities’ State of the Cities survey found that 39% of mayors are very concerned about cyber, which is not far behind more traditional public health issues.

Tampa, Florida looks to become national cyber hub

The city will host the CyberBay summit later this year, and is looking to use its military background as well as the University of South Florida to become a leader on cybersecurity.

Age verification needs better privacy protections, report says

New America’s Open Technology Institute called for the use of zero-knowledge proofs, which verify a user’s age without disclosing any personal information.

Operational tech is ‘underprioritized’ in cyberdefense, experts tell Congress

Witnesses' calls for better investment in securing such systems come just two months before a key cybersecurity information-sharing law is set to expire.

Threat intel firms on alert for government systems impacted by Microsoft SharePoint vulnerability

Governments, schools, healthcare providers and large enterprise firms are at risk, one cyber threat intelligence chief said.

Local election officials worry about federal cuts to security, survey shows

The concern comes as the Trump administration has curtailed election cybersecurity work.

Cyber resilience for state and local governments: Where to start

COMMENTARY | Governments already have the tools, while zero trust and hardware security strategies turn existing resources into stronger defenses.

New York cyber law strengths local reporting requirements

Local governments that are hacked now have 72 hours to tell the state, and 24 hours to disclose if they paid a ransom. The new law also mandates cyber training and sets data protection standards.

Feds expect Iran’s cyber forces will target US networks after strikes on nuclear sites

Iran has often targeted U.S. digital systems. Last year, Iranian hackers pilfered and distributed sensitive documents from inside President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.